Transformers Masterpiece: Alert MP-14

When Takara Tomy announced that the next two Transformers Masterpieces were going to be Lambor (Sideswipe) and Alert (Red Alert) I was excited, as I'm sure every other Transformer fan was.  However I wasn't sure I wanted to drop the $ on essentially a repaint so I initially just pre-ordered Lambor.  After receiving Lambor and doing my review of him, I instantly sought out the best price and snatched up Alert for myself.  Boy am I glad I did!

Alert comes packaged in the same gorgeous black matte box that Lambor came in.  There aren't really any other changes, but the box is so beautiful I had to share pictures.

I half expected the instructions to be laid out in a booklet style similar to what Takara did with the Binaltech releases, but at least the sheet is in full color.  Alert comes packaged with his Particle Beam Rifle and shoulder mounted Rocket Launcher.  While Lambor came packaged with removable pile drivers, Alert comes with what Takara Tomy is calling Circuit Trouble.  I'll touch more on that later.

      

Alert features his familiar G1 Fire Department deco along with a new light bar.  Wow what a difference this makes, this is a beautiful toy.  I like the fact that the Autobot symbol on the hood isn't so blazingly large as Lambor's is.  You have to see this toy in person to truly appreciate how beautiful it really is.

A lot of people mentioned the less than stellar paint job on Lambor, but it appears that Takara Tomy rectified this issue on Alert's release.  At least on mine, I couldn't spot any paint blemishes or defects to the paint or the mold itself.  Two thumbs up to Takara Tomy!

There is a small peg hole in the center of the new light bar that allows you to still attach either one or both weapons in vehicle mode.  The look isn't for me, but for some I'm sure they are happy to still have this option.

Where as the vehicle mode may look like a simple re-deco, there are several changes made to the robot mode.  First off Alert features a new head sculpt that looks amazing.  The designers did a great job at capturing the comic and cartoon look of the character.  Also if you look on the side of his shoulders you'll see two faux tires.  I really wish Lambor sported this same look.

Alert features the same transformation and articulation as Alert, which is awesome.  If you liked Lambor then you'll love Alert.  If you missed out on Lambor, then do yourself a huge favor and pick up this toy.

I tried finding a clip of the G1 episode where Red Alert has his "panic attack" and he nearly goes crazy, but alas I couldn't find it.  Alert's added bonus, Circuit Trouble, simply attaches to the head to recreate that scene from the original cartoon.  It's is actually one solid piece that snaps onto the back of the head and goes over the "ears" on the head.  Small addition and something I'm sure most fans wouldn't have ever dreamed of finding packed inside the box, but none the less awesome.

The dealer I ordered mine from included the Masterpiece coin.  At first I could've cared less for these, but now I'm kind of digging it.  The simple cardboard piece is split into two halves.  Pull them apart to reveal the coin.

Sorry for the blurry pic.  I tried and tried to focus in more on the coin, but my old camera just couldn't seem to get the job done.

I simply cannot say enough good things about this toy.  Takara Tomy have certainly set the bar high and I can only hope the next wave of Autobot Masterpiece toys (Prowl, Streak, Smokescreen) are just as great.  Takara isn't quite done with this mold yet as the next use will be as Tigertrack, a yellow Diaclone inspired release.  I originally had him on pre-order, but I only have so much $$ to go around and there are so many other things I'd rather have more.  Now if they do a G2 version of Sideswipe or a e-Hobby Clamp Down I'll be all over those releases!